Tokyo had been called “Edo” at the time of the real Samurai (17 century to early 19 century). The name was changed to “Tokyo” later and the city became the capital of Japan. Experience the history of Edo and present-day Tokyo from a river cruise ship. Getting information that the Nihonbashi course is now very popular among Japanese, I went to taking the ship right way.
※A boatman speaks only Japanese but an assistant staff accompanies and translates into English.

Departs from Nihon-bashi, a historical landmark of Tokyo

Meeting at Taki-no-Hiroba, Nihon-bashi at 9：50. It is a convenient place 5 minutes walk from “Mitsukoshi-mae station” or “Nihon-bashi station” of Tokyo metro. Please prepare a raincoat or a sun cap depending on the weather conditions since you will travel in an open-top boat (A strew hat is available by free during summer). Nihon-bashi bridge was the starting-points of 5 major highways during Japanese Edo period when Nihon-bashi were very lively as Edo’s center of commerce with people coming and going. The double-arched stone bridge itself is worth seeing as a historical architectural structure.

A Bridge has an impressive beautiful feminine curve

Two bridges begin to be visible when the ship turns from River Nihonbashi to River Sumida. It is said that the curved lines of the two bridges are contrasting each other. One is masculine, and the other one is feminine. The picture above is Kiyosu Bridge with feminine curves. Then, where is the other masculine bridge? Try to find it! Is that really masculine shape in your eyes? Then, finally, you will see Tokyo Skytree® beyond Kiyosu bridge！That’s exactly the mixture of old and new Tokyo!

New sceneries appear one after another

A beautiful red brick warehouse emerged at the left side somewhere in the middle of the course. This is old Manseibashi station that no longer to be used. The station, of which most parts were lost at the time of the great “Kanto” earthquake, was constructed by a famous architect who also constructed the Tokyo Station. It is now reborn as a commercial facility, but it still has an imposing presence.

At the last corner…

The ship proceeded further and the other different designed bridge appeared. This is Hijiri Bridge. Hijiri means “holy” in Japanese. Knowing the name of this bridge, I felt like I was purified when passing under the bridge. Then the end of 2 hours ship journey has come at last.

Such a productive ship journey to know Tokyo!

At 12：10, the ship came back to the starting point, the Nihonbashi Bridge. There were continuous new discoveries of Tokyo during two hours journey of the ship that could not be found in a guide book. It is really worth at the reasonable price of JPY 3,990!
※The route will be reversed.